Author: Neel Achary

Gene Regulation Map Reveals Treatment Targets for Heart Failure

July 25: Researchers from University of California San Diego have created the most detailed map to date of how gene regulation breaks down in human heart failure, revealing how genes are controlled in specific cell types as the disease develops and pointing to potential new therapeutic targets. The study, published on July 23, 2026 in Science, integrates multiple layers of genomic data to uncover the hidden rules underlying heart failure at single-cell resolution.

“Our goal is to use this atlas to discover targets that we can act on therapeutically,” said Neil Chi, MD, PhD, professor of medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine. “Right now, one of the biggest limitations in cardiology is not the lack of tools, but the lack of targets. This kind of data changes that.”

Heart failure remains the leading cause of illness and death worldwide, yet treatment options remain limited, with only a small number of therapies proven to significantly improve outcomes. One major challenge has been identifying actionable biological targets. While genetic studies have uncovered many genetic changes linked to heart disease, more than 85% of these genes lie in noncoding regions of DNA — stretches that don’t make proteins, but instead control when and how genes are turned on or off — making it difficult to determine how they contribute to disease.

To address this, the research team analyzed heart tissue from 36 individuals, including patients with and without heart failure. Using advanced single-cell techniques, they analyzed how genes are controlled and organized across more than 750,000 individual heart cells.

“What makes this study unique is the ability to integrate multiple layers of genome regulation in the same cells,” said Bing Ren, PhD, professor emeritus of cellular and molecular medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine and scientific director and CEO of the New York Genome Center. “These technologies allow us to look beyond which genes are active to understand how the genome is organized and controlled, revealing regulatory elements and interactions that were previously inaccessible.”

This comprehensive approach allowed the team to identify 12 major cardiac cell types and dozens of subpopulations, each with its own distinct patterns of gene control. They found that heart failure is associated with major shifts in cell composition, including increased numbers of fibroblasts — cells that produce structural support and scar tissue — and immune cells, and a reduction in cardiomyocytes — the cells responsible for contraction.

The study also revealed widespread changes in gene regulation. In cells from failing hearts, researchers identified more than 10,000 genes with altered expression and more than 50,000 regions of DNA with changed accessibility, or changes in how easily proteins can bind to DNA. These changes were particularly pronounced in cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts, which showed extensive remodeling of their regulatory networks.

Importantly, the team uncovered distinct disease-related cell states. For example, cardiomyocytes progressed from healthy to diseased through several intermediate cell states. The researchers also identified pathways through which healthy fibroblasts transform into activated fibroblasts and myofibroblasts — cell types known to contribute to fibrosis and tissue remodeling in heart failure.

“These intermediate states are where the disease is actively unfolding,” Chi said. “If we can understand and target those transitions, we may be able to intervene earlier and more effectively.”

The study also sheds new light on how genetic risk contributes to heart failure. By integrating their atlas with genome-wide association data, the team showed that disease-associated genetic changes are concentrated in regulatory regions active in specific cell types — particularly cardiomyocytes — and often act through long-range DNA interactions to influence gene expression. This suggests that genes in cardiomyocytes may be more viable as treatment targets for heart disease than other cardiac cell types.

In addition to offering insights into heart disease, this work helps resolve a longstanding challenge in genetics: identifying which genetic changes are truly causal and which genes they affect. By mapping these connections, the researchers provide a framework for linking genetic risk to specific biological mechanisms in heart disease.

“This is a higher-order view of disease biology,” Chi said. “Instead of just asking which genes are turned on or off, we’re now understanding how their regulation is controlled across the genome — and that’s where most disease risk actually resides.”

Beyond its immediate findings, the study establishes a comprehensive resource for the scientific community. The dataset can be used to identify new drug targets, particularly in a field where therapeutic options remain limited.

“This study provides a roadmap to the landscape of major cardiac cell types of all four chambers of the normal and failing human heart,” says Stavros Drakos, MD, PhD, professor of cardiovascular medicine at University of Utah Health. “These findings establish a mechanistic framework for biological pathways of heart failure development and present multiple targets for developing new therapies for heart failure.”

Looking ahead, the team is already working to translate these insights into potential treatments by developing pipelines to test candidate targets identified through the analysis.

“By connecting genetic risk, gene regulation and cell-specific disease processes, this study provides a blueprint for precision therapies in heart failure,” Chi said. “It opens the door to targeting the right mechanisms in the right cells at the right time.”

Additional co-authors on the study include: Yang Xie, Luca Tucciarone, Elie N. Farah, Lei Chang, Qian Yang, Weston Elison, Shaina Tran, Jovina Djulamsah, Audrey Lie, Timothy Loe, Alyssa R. Holman, Sierra Corban, Justin Buchanan, Sainath Mamde, Haowen Zhou, Ruth M. Elgama, Jeffrey Huey-chuan Chiu, Rebecca Melton, Emily Griffin, Qingquan Zhang, Jacinta Lucero, Eugin Destici, Agnieszka D’Antonio-Chronowska, Allen Wang and Kyle J. Gaulton at UC San Diego; Thirupura S. Shankar, Eleni Tseliou, Vincent Huang, Sutip Navankasattusas and Craig H. Selzman at University of Utah; Zhaoning Wang at UC San Diego and Columbia University; Daofeng Li, Chanrung Seng and Ting Wang at Washington University. 

The study was funded, in part, by the National Institutes of Health (Grant #NHLBI R01 HL135121, NHLBI 1R01HL166513, HG012059, NHLBI T32HL007444, and 1K08HL168315-01) and others. 

The following authors declare competing interests. Consultancy fees: Drakos (Abbott), Gaulton (Genentech). Gaulton has received honoraria from Pfizer, holds stock in Neurocrine Biosciences, and his spouse is employed at Altos Labs. Drakos acknowledges research support from Novartis. Elgamal  is an employee and shareholder of Pfizer. Holman is an employee of Aspen Neuroscience and holds equity in the company. Ren is a shareholder and consultant of Arima Genomics Inc. and cofounder of Epigenome Technologies, Inc. Chi and University of California San Diego are inventors of a filed patent. All other authors declare no competing interests.

Young Hockey Stars Set for Action as 15 Academies Gear Up for Gwalior Championship

Gwalior, July 25: The stage is set for an exciting display of young hockey talent as 15 academies prepare to compete in the 4th Hockey India Junior Women Academy Championship, beginning July 26 in Gwalior.

The tournament, which will continue until August 3, will see teams divided into four pools, with players from across the country competing for top honours and gaining valuable match experience.

The championship provides a significant platform for emerging hockey players to showcase their skills, test themselves against strong competition and take another step towards higher levels of the sport.

With several promising athletes expected to take part, the tournament is set to highlight the growing strength of women’s hockey in India and the efforts being made to develop future stars of the game.

India Squad Meets Zimbabwe Ambassador Ahead of Second T20I

New Delhi, July 25: Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer and members of the team visited the Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe ahead of the second T20 International, as the squad continued preparations for the upcoming match.

The players interacted with the Ambassador and officials, highlighting the strong connection between Indian cricket and the Indian community abroad. The meeting provided an opportunity for the team to engage in a warm exchange ahead of the important fixture.

The Indian side is focused on building momentum in the series and adapting to the conditions in Zimbabwe. Players and support staff are working on their strategies as they prepare for the second T20I.

The visit also reflected the spirit of camaraderie and goodwill surrounding India’s cricketing engagements overseas.

Govt Programme Boosts 4.32 Lakh Rural Enterprises

New Delhi, July 25: A government programme aimed at promoting rural entrepreneurship has supported 4.32 lakh enterprises across the country, with 86 per cent of beneficiaries coming from disadvantaged sections of society.

The initiative has helped strengthen livelihoods by encouraging self-employment and supporting small businesses in rural areas. It has provided opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to establish and grow their enterprises, contributing to local economic development and job creation.

A significant share of the beneficiaries belongs to communities including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, women and other vulnerable groups, highlighting the programme’s focus on inclusive growth.

The government said the initiative is part of its broader effort to build a strong rural enterprise ecosystem, promote entrepreneurship at the grassroots level and ensure wider participation in economic development.

The programme continues to support rural communities by creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and strengthening the foundation of a self-reliant rural economy.

Gujarat Strengthens Flood Relief Efforts with Round-the-Clock Medical Teams and Preventive Health Measures

Ahmedabad, July 25: As flood-affected communities across Gujarat continue to recover from the impact of relentless monsoon rains, authorities have intensified public health and emergency response efforts to safeguard residents from waterborne diseases and other post-flood health risks. In Ahmedabad alone, 24×7 medical teams have been deployed, while more than 71,000 chlorine tablets have been distributed to help ensure access to safe drinking water.

The enhanced healthcare response is part of a broader relief initiative aimed at protecting vulnerable communities in areas affected by flooding. Medical teams are providing round-the-clock assistance, conducting health assessments, treating flood-related illnesses, and ensuring that essential medicines and emergency medical services remain readily available to those in need.

To reduce the risk of disease outbreaks following floodwaters, health authorities have launched preventive sanitation measures, including the distribution of chlorine tablets for water purification and public awareness campaigns on hygiene and safe water practices. Officials have urged residents to consume only treated or boiled water and to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms associated with waterborne infections.

Emergency responders and local administrations continue to work together to restore essential services, support displaced families, and monitor public health conditions across affected districts. Relief operations remain focused on ensuring timely healthcare access, maintaining sanitation, and minimizing the long-term impact of the floods on local communities.

Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to providing uninterrupted medical assistance and have encouraged residents to cooperate with health workers, follow official advisories, and remain vigilant as recovery efforts continue.

The ongoing response underscores Gujarat’s coordinated approach to disaster management, placing public health, community safety, and rapid relief at the forefront as the state navigates the challenges of the monsoon season.

Delhi-NCR on High Alert as IMD Warns of Heavy Rain; Residents Urged to Stay Prepared

New Delhi, July 25: Residents across Delhi-NCR are being advised to prepare for intense monsoon conditions after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a fresh alert forecasting heavy rainfall across the region and several other states. The advisory comes amid an active monsoon phase that is expected to bring widespread showers, thunderstorms, and localized waterlogging over the coming days.

Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant as heavy rain may disrupt daily life, leading to traffic congestion, reduced visibility, and temporary flooding in low-lying areas. Commuters are encouraged to plan their travel in advance, monitor weather updates, and exercise caution while driving or using public transport during periods of intense rainfall.

Emergency response teams and civic agencies have been placed on alert to monitor vulnerable locations, manage waterlogging, and ensure swift action wherever required. Officials are also coordinating with local administrations to minimize disruptions and maintain essential public services throughout the spell of adverse weather.

The IMD has advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy downpour, stay away from waterlogged areas, and follow official weather advisories issued through verified channels. People living in flood-prone localities are encouraged to take necessary precautions and remain prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.

The latest alert highlights the continued impact of the southwest monsoon across northern and central India, with several states expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall. Authorities will continue to monitor the evolving weather system and issue timely updates to help ensure public safety.